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Is Super Bowl Sunday still a heartpounding, anxious day that people await? It kind of feels like the answer is no. So, we’ll keep doing hockey. The Pittsburgh Penguins have already shattered expectations this season, so how should we judge them for the rest of the season? Is what comes next gravy, or do we raise the bar? Elsewhere in the Daily, the Philadelphia Flyers are talking blockbuster trades, the Ottawa Senators are big game hunting but have some competition, and the Vancouver Canucks are willing to trade a couple of very usable assets. And the Montreal Canadiens are putting all options on the table.
I think that about covers the trade “rumors” for today. Though, as a colleague once chided me many years ago, there are rumors, and there are reports. Rumors are internet nonsense, and reports are from reporters who have real information. I’d classify today as real information. Most of it, anyway.
My body is suffering from confusion. Nowhere to be, nowhere I need to plan to be. It’s quite odd. I do not like Olympic breaks, but the Four Nations turned out much better than expected, so maybe the respite will reenergize hockey fans, too.
And as for the site, my experience using my iPhone yesterday was just fine–no jumping or ad scrolls. Believe me, the folks working on the site have seen your comments. They’re a little frustrated, too, and I’ve not poked the bear as I know they’re working hard. But also–you, the readers, customers, and supporters–are the primary deciders on quality. So, keep me posted.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Only one fresh story yesterday. I’m slacking, eh? But it’s an existential look at the season and what comes next. After the Penguins have broken through all barriers and expectations, how exactly should we judge them, and is a playoff series win necessary for the season to be a Penguins success?
Steelers Now: Snubbed again. L.C. Greenwood is Steel Curtain royalty but still not in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Ridiculous.
NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now
Philly Hockey Now: The Philly Flyers are still trying to rebuild on the fly and chumming the waters with big names. Will James writes that there is plenty of smoke that the team could change strategy and go big on the NHL trade market.
The Athletic ($): We’re not talking Elias Pettersson, but rather Brock Boeser and Conor Garland. The Vancouver Canucks are signaling a willingness to part with even more players after the Olympic roster freeze.
Brock Boeser, you say? Hmmmm
Sportsnet: The Montreal Canadiens are the plucky young team that has finally arrived in the playoff hunt, but still has more growing to do. President of hockey operations Jeff Gorton is prepared to put all options on the table to keep getting better.
Ottawa Sun: I’ll take a No. 2 combo, the top-six winger and a top-four right-handed defenseman. Wait, how much? The Ottawa Senators are out there on the market looking for the two most expensive pieces to acquire. Bruce Garrioch reports they’re in need, and they’ve kicked tires on a few players but have some competition.
TSN: And Sidney Crosby talked about leading Team Canada, “I still love it.” I thought you might need a little Crosby story today, too.
Last summer, I thought about covering the Olympics, but quite honestly, I am very glad I am not. I’ll watch with everyone else and probably enjoy it all the more.
Seahawks +10. Have fun.
Categorized:Links NHL Trade Rumors